ACCEPTANCE INTO AMERICAN WATERCOLOR SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION!!!!!!!!!!!

I AM ECSTATIC!!!!!!! Today's mail brought the fabulous news that my painting "Reflections on Turning 65" was accepted into AWS National Show. Most of you know that this is the most difficult show to get accepted into. You only get to submit one slide and they receive thousands. I thought I would never get in. Every year I would submit my best work and every year I simply made my financial contribution to their organization in the form of my entry fee. One of my favorite jokes is about the man who bitterly complained to G-d that he didn't fulfill his prayers to win the lottery. G-d replied, "You have to buy a ticket!" This year I have a winning ticket!

This painting has received so much positive attention. I had fun painting it, but Nava was the one who pointed out its potential. She gave me great feedback as to how people were responding to it. That is one of the important advantages of entering exhibits. Working in isolation, we don't always have total perspective regarding our own work. Every once in awhile, a special painting emerges from the stacks of ongoing work. I am now on the hunt for the next one. If you think you see one on this blog, be sure and point it out.

This painting will be featured in an article in Artist Magazine, March issue. It was awarded Best of Show in the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society show and was also the people's choice award. I will probably retire it after this show and hang it in a place of honor.